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By
John Quigley, Legal Content Director · Reviewed against current A.R.S. · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
Arizona’s record-sealing law, effective January 1, 2023, was a major change — for the first time, many people can have their arrest and conviction records sealed from public view after completing their sentence.
What Arizona law says
A.R.S. § 13-911 — The record-sealing statute (effective 2023) that allows eligible individuals to seal arrest, charge, and conviction records.
A.R.S. § 13-905 — The older ‘set-aside’ remedy, which sets aside a judgment of guilt but does not seal the record.
A.R.S. § 13-907 — Restoration of civil rights, often relevant alongside sealing or set-aside.
How record sealing cases work in Maricopa County
Petitions are filed in the court that handled the original case, including Maricopa County Superior Court for felonies. Eligibility and the required waiting period depend on the offense class and your overall record.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sealing and a set-aside?
A set-aside (A.R.S. § 13-905) sets aside the guilty judgment but the record remains public; sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911) removes records from public access.
Who is eligible to seal a record?
Eligibility depends on the offense and a waiting period after completing the sentence; some serious offenses are excluded.
When did Arizona record sealing start?
The sealing statute took effect January 1, 2023.
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Disclaimer: AZAttorneyFinder is an independent attorney directory, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This page is general legal information about Arizona law, reviewed against the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.). It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Arizona attorney about your specific situation. Statutes change — verify current law before relying on it.